Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Murray, KY: $61,066 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Murray, KY earns a median $61,066/year (≈ $29.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Murray's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $68,383 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses in Murray, KY, can expect a median annual salary of $61,066, which reflects local economic conditions and the state's regulations regarding practice authority, including IV therapy and patient assessment. The competitive salary structure offers a range from $52,492 at the 10th percentile to $75,332 at the 90th percentile, indicating that while the local median is lower than the national average of $68,071 by approximately 10.29%, there is potential for LPNs to earn more based on experience and specialization. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, with adjustments for regional cost considerations, suggesting that career options can be both viable and rewarding for those entering the healthcare workforce in this region.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($51,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,492 | $25.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,916 | $28.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,066 | $29.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,753 | $34.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,332 | $36.21 |
Median Salary Position
10.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murray
In Murray, KY, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,840 (2026 est.). At $61,066, the local median is 10.29% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murray: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Murray Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Murray median: $61,066/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murray Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $65,311 | -6.50% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -10.29% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Murray, KY earn a median of $61,066 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.29% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $65,311.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murray has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Murray, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $61,066 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,383 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,594
2025 BLS Actual
$57,773
2026 Current Est.
$61,066
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,594 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,796 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,123 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,999 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,584 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,596 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,773 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,066 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,547 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murray metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $42,594 (2019) to $57,773 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,547 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,953 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murray metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $52,492 – $58,916 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,916 – $61,066 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,066 – $70,753 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,753 – $75,332 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Murray
With a relatively small pool of just four licensed practical nurses currently employed in Murray, job competition may be limited, but it also opens pathways to explore local healthcare facilities. The cost of living index in Murray is 89.3, below the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of an LPN’s income despite lower relative salaries. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest salaries, followed by home health agencies and physician offices. Variations in pay are influenced by factors such as certification in IV therapy, weekend/holiday differentials, and the type of healthcare setting, with long-term care generally providing the best opportunities for earnings growth. To maximize earning potential, LPNs may consider pursuing additional certifications or seeking roles in settings that typically offer higher wages.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Murray, KY in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Murray?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Murray?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $57,773 for licensed practical nursesin the Murray metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Murray is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov